Spring has finally sprung, but with it comes allergy season. Experts believe this year to be a particular high pollen count year and recommend that everyone be prepared for a potentially rough allergy season. In an effort to reduce your allergy symptoms, you can follow these steps so you can have a fun and happy spring season.
1. Avoid High Pollen Times
Pollen counts are highest between 5 and 10 in the morning. If you are especially sensitive to allergies during this season you should try and stay indoors during this time to help alleviate some of your symptoms.
2. Remove shoes before coming indoors.
To avoid bringing the pollen inside your home, remove your shoes before going inside. If you don't want to leave them outside, try going through a door that has an entry way away from the rest of the house to keep any pollen you track inside from spreading around your house.
3. Shower after spending time outside.
It's hard to avoid the lure of spring weather as it is one of the nicest times of year to spend outdoors. If you do go outside, when you get home immediately go and take a shower or at least wash your face and hands. This will remove any pollen on your body and help reduce your allergy symptoms.
4. Don't dry clothes outside.
While it is tempting to dry your clothes outside so they absorb that fresh spring scent, if you are prone to allergies you should resist this temptation and stick with your clothes dryer. Pollen can easily stick to wet or damp clothing making your allergic reactions worse when you wear the clothes.
5. Prepare your medications.
Before the spring season gets into full swing, be sure you prepare yourself by having all the necessary allergy medicines handy in case your allergies do flare up. These could include any prescription as well as any over the counter medications.
Dr. Mauli Desai, an assistant professor of medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital, said that people should be prepared for this spring. "I always advise patients who suffer from allergies to prepare for a really bad season," said Desai.
In the United States alone it is estimated that about 10 to 30 percent of adults are affected by allergies. These symptoms can include simply a clogged nose or watery eyes, but for some it can be more serious or even trigger asthma. If you do suffer from allergies, it is important for you to know what pollen you are more susceptible to and be prepared when these are the most active so you can protect yourself.
